Johnson City Gets State Grant to Study Housing at EJ Factory Site

Officials in Johnson City are hoping to find a new developer for an abandoned Endicott Johnson factory building.

The village board in 2021 agreed to sell the crumbling brick structure at 19 Avenue B to Paulus Development of Syracuse for $100,000.

The company's Matthew Paulus had told WNBF News that he had "a great mixed-use project planned for that site." But then-mayor Martin Meaney said in 2024 Paulus "backed away from that project" which was expected to include dozens of apartments.

Paulus never publicly explained why he chose not to redevelopment the property.

The basement of the former Endicott Johnson factory at 19 Avenue B in Johnson City on December 4, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The old structure is located just south of the Victory Lofts, a 156-unit apartment complex developed by Paulus in another abandoned EJ factory.

The village now has been awarded an $80,000 state grant to hire a consultant to develop a housing feasibility and site assessment for the property.

The east side of the abandoned Endicott Johnson Box Toe Factory building on December 4, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

In a news release, Johnson City Mayor Christina Charuk said the study is to "provide guidance for potential private developers" for a future housing project at the site.

Endicott Johnson had used the factory building for several decades. It later was used as a warehouse and small store by the Volunteers of America.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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